Peanut menu listings increasing at top chains

• Peanut menu listings have increased an average of 44.4 percent from 2006 to 2010.

• Consumer research has consistently shown that Americans prefer the flavor of peanuts and peanut butter.

The popularity of menu items with peanuts, peanut butter and peanut products is booming, according to recent data from Technomic.

Peanut menu listings have increased an average of 44.4 percent from 2006 to 2010. Menus surveyed by Technomic MenuMonitor were from the top 500 restaurant chains, 117 emerging restaurant chains and 119 top independent restaurants from Jan.-June 2006 to Jan.-Jun. 2010.

“Consumer research has consistently shown that Americans prefer the flavor of peanuts and peanut butter,” said the National Peanut Board President and Managing Director Raffaela Marie Fenn. “And this recent data shows that along with high consumer preference, the culinary versatility, nutritional profile and value of peanuts and peanut products have a direct and positive effect on the nation’s leading restaurant menus.”

Individually, the Technomic data shows the menu incidence of peanut butter grew 47.6 percent from 2006 to 2010. For peanuts, menu incidence rose 39.3 percent during the same period.

“The National Peanut Board frequently showcases new and innovative peanut uses and dishes to menu developers at popular restaurant chains,” said NPB Chairman George Jeffcoat. “Through platforms such as culinary conferences and focused immersions, NPB highlights how peanut menu items benefit their operations and their customers.”

Recent menu additions include a Manchu duck small plate with hoisin, smoked bacon Asian cress and honey peanut vinaigrette at P.F. Chang’s China Bistro with over 200 locations throughout the U.S., and new menu additions at Houlihan’s, a casual restaurant with more than 100 outlets, including a peanut-ginger slaw side.

NPB has also helped high volume foodservice operators introduce new peanut items by facilitating food allergy management training. NPB most recently conducted a training webinar for a popular 1,400 unit bakery café chain.

With more protein than any nut and more than 30 vitamins and minerals, peanuts and peanut butter are nutritional powerhouses.

The National Peanut Board represents peanut farmers and their families across the nation. Through research and marketing initiatives the Board is finding new ways to enhance production and increase consumer demand by promoting the great taste, nutrition and culinary versatility of USA-grown peanuts.